Determination of Babesia microti seroprevalence in blood donor populations using an investigational enzyme immunoassay.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Transfusion-transmitted babesiosis caused by Babesia microti has emerged as a significant risk to the US blood supply. This study estimated the prevalence of B. microti antibodies in blood donors using an investigational enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

Study design and methods

A peptide-based EIA that detects both immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies to B. microti was developed and validated. Donor samples randomly selected from areas defined as high-risk endemic, lower-risk endemic, and nonendemic for B. microti were deidentified and tested using the investigational EIA. Samples that were EIA repeat reactive were further tested by B. microti immunofluorescent assay (IFA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on red blood cell lysates, and peripheral blood smear examinati

SUBMITTER: Levin AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4163072 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature